ITR-3 Filing Guide for AY 2026-2027: Who is Eligible and How to File Online

Individuals with business income must file ITR-3 for AY 2026-2027. This form captures various income sources, including salary and capital gains. Taxpayers can file ITR-3 online through the e-filing portal. The process involves filling general information and specific schedules. E-verification must be completed within thirty days of submission.

The due date to file an income tax return (ITR) for students, pensioners, salaried individuals, and others who are not liable for a tax audit is July 31, 2026, for AY 2026-27. However, for individuals with business income or those requiring a tax audit, the due date for filing ITR is August 31.

There are about three ITR forms (ITR-1, ITR-2, and ITR-3) which most students, salaried employees, and pensioners need to file depending on their source of income.

Who is eligible to file ITR-3?

ITR-3 is to be used by an individual or a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) who is having income under the head 'profits or gains of business or profession' and who is not eligible to file Form ITR?1 (Sahaj), ITR?2, or ITR?4 (Sugam).

Chartered Accountant Abhishek Soni, Co-Founder of Tax2Win, says that ITR-3 also applies when business income exists alongside other sources of income. Thus, apart from business income, taxpayers filing ITR-3 can also report income from:

Salary or pension

House property

Capital gains

Other sources of income

Foreign assets and foreign income

Since it captures multiple income sources and detailed financial information, ITR-3 is considered one of the most comprehensive income tax return forms.

Who cannot file ITR-3?

Soni says that that the following taxpayers are not eligible to file ITR-3:

Companies

LLPs

Partnership firms

Trusts

Individuals eligible to file ITR-1

Individuals eligible to file ITR-2

Taxpayers opting for presumptive taxation under ITR-4

How to file ITR-3 online through e-filing ITR portal

According to the income tax department's website, ITR-3 has the following sections that you need to fill up (applicable schedule) before submitting the form:

Part A- General

Part B-TI

Part B- TTI

Schedule-IT

Schedule TDS

Schedule TCS

Manufacturing account

Trading Account

P&L

Balance sheet

Schedule OI

Schedule QD

Schedule S

Schedule HP

Schedule BP

Schedule DPM

Schedule DOA

Schedule DEP

Schedule CG

Schedule OS

Schedule CYLA

Schedule BFLA

Schedule CFL

Schedule VI-A

80G

Schedule SPI

Schedule SI

Schedule EI

Schedule PTI

Schedule FSI

Schedule TR

Schedule 5A

Schedule FA

Schedule AL

Step-by-step guide:

Step 1: In the Part A General section of the ITR, you need to verify the pre-filled data from your e-Filing profile. You will not be able to edit some of your personal data directly in the form. However, you can make the necessary changes by going to your e-Filing profile.

You can edit your contact details, filing status, residential status, and bank details in the form itself.

Step 2: Fill up the respective schedules as mentioned above.

Step 3: Once submitted, you need to e-verify the ITR within 30 days; else, it will be discarded.